RIARNG Leapfest 2023

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE NOTICE CAREFULLY AS IT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY NOTICE THAT WILL BE ISSUED.

In accordance with FAR 5.202(a)(13) the Pre-solicitation Synopsis for this requirement is waived. The solicitation, W912LD23Q0010, is released and attached.

This announcement will be open for less than 30 days, in accordance with FAR 5.203(b).

The Rhode Island Army National Guard (RIARNG) requires Meals and Lodging for approximately 250 support personnel and competitors from 30 July 2023 - 09 August 2023 at the University of Rhode Island for Leapfest 2023.  RIARNG intends to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order on a sole source basis to the University of Rhode Island (URI), 75 LOWER COLLEGE RD, KINGSTON, RI 02881-1974 (CAGE Code: 9B968).  Local Government Per Diem rate for the time of the year when Leapfest will be held is significantly higher than the cost of lodging per night/per bed offered by the URI.  Additionally, the combined cost per meal utilizing the dining services at URI is far below the GSA daily per diem rate for the area during the time of year Leapfest is being held.  In addition, Market Research of Rhode Island area has shown that no other organization, within a 10-mile radius of the Leapfest Competition drop-off and pick-up locations, has the ability to accommodate this requirement at one location. Other venues would be able to accommodate the number of rooms and the size of a dining facility and conference rooms required to house approximately 250 individuals. Participants in the competition would be forced to split into groups for assignment to separate hotels and eating establishments resulting in increased travel times between team rotations during the competition, which may cause jumping schedule delays, and increased travel related costs.  Therefore, only URI is able to host Leapfest and meet the requirements of the Government.   This requirement is being solicited on a sole source basis to URI, as concurred with by the RIARNG Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). 

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement which will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

For questions regarding this requirement, contact Kaitlin Simoes at kaitlin.l.simoes.civ@army.mil